allmannajuvet by peter zumthor set to open in norway

in the scenic valleys of allmannajuvet, the zinc mine museum by renowned swiss architect peter zumthor has been completed along norway‘s national tourist routes and is set to welcome visitors early this month.

the cluster of buildings are either raised or perched against the rugged terrain
image © fredrik fløgstad

the process of the allmannajuvet project started back in 2002 where zumthor was given the brief of rejuvenating the old mining museum of sauda to welcoming people to a newly designed tourist route. commissioned by the norwegian public roads administration, the cluster of prefabricated structures make up the museum itself, a café building, bathroom and parking facilities.

exposed structural framework on the prefabricated building
image © atelier peter zumthor & partner

each structure was assembled on site in allmannajuvet and fabricated with an exterior plywood cladding supported by a structural system containing creosote combined laminated timber. on the inside, the walls have been left dark to resemble a gallery and further addresses zumthor’s restrained response in blending the architecture with its rugged landscape.

the alm cafe / walls have been left dark to resemble a gallery
image © atelier peter zumthor & partner

the zinc mines were in operation from 1882 to 1898 where 12,000 tons of ore was produced during the 16 years. the re-purposing of the site highlights the history, whilst bringing together one of ten major attractions along norway’s national tourist routes – an important installation within the ryfylke region. 

read our previous article on allmannajuvet here.

attention is drawn to the site’s industrial heritage, while simultaneously making the area more accessible to
increasing numbers of visitors
image © silja lena løken

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